Continuing with the aftermath of the Orlando shootings, the first story covered in the June 16 episode of The Nightly Show concerned Fox commentator Gretchen Carlson’s coverage of the event. Appearing to go “somewhat off script,” Carlson pointed out that buying an assault weapon was easier than buying a handgun and asked when it would be possible to uphold the Second Amendment while still maintaining common sense. While Larry Wilmore couldn’t resist cracking a joke about how she would probably be fired soon, he applauded her for being daring.
Moving on, Wilmore transitioned to the ongoing filibuster led by Senator Chris Murphy. Murphy and a small group of others, who have commandeered the floor for the sake of stricter gun control laws, appeared to have developed some unlikely allies. Among those who agreed that guns should not be sold to those who are on the “no fly” list were President Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump.
Sensing that something was off, Wilmore brought in Nightly Show contributor Rory Albanese, posing as the Department Homeland of Security’s Dirk McDermond, to comment on the issue. Instead of clarifying anything with Wilmore, however, McDermond continued to refer him to separate lists. Very soon Wilmore was caught up in a web of lists, having learned nothing on the potential profiling that could take place with the list.
Next, to address Trump’s allegations that Obama had gone soft on Muslims by refusing to use the words “radical Islamic terrorism,” Wilmore brought in Nightly Show contributor Mike Yard, posing as “Felonius Monk.” A play on the name “Thelonious Monk,” Wilmore asked Monk what he thought about Obama’s defense in terms of wording. Unfortunately, Monk was a little too eloquent for his own good, with Wilmore spending most of the segment trying to figure out what he was trying to say. Eventually, he came to the conclusion that Obama was just being polite.
The night’s panel featured contributors Franchesca Ramsey, Holly Walker and special guest, Anika Noni Rose. Once again focusing on Obama, Wilmore presented the three with a clip, where Obama stated that he was, in fact, a feminist. He asked the three if they thought that was true. Topics covered during the conversation included feminism between men and women, the difference between white and black feminism and various different types of inclusivity. Overwhelmingly, the panel agreed with Obama’s statement, stating that he had done the work necessary to make such a claim.